System and method for providing eating assistance to those with physical limitations

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed to a system and method for method to facilitate self-feeding for those with physical limitations that can easily loaded with food and is usable anywhere. The system includes a specially designed utensil called a ploon, which is a hybrid of a spoon and a plate. The ploon is coupled to an actuation device for loading the ploon with food and for lifting the ploon to the person&#39;s mouth. A switch-based interface allows the user to control the movement of the ploon, the ploon loader, and the ploon lifter, and the switch-based interface is facilitated with a microcontroller. The system can be mounted to a wheelchair of the user or is easily packable, such that the system is with the user and ready to go, whenever the user may need it.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/982,436 filed Apr. 22, 2014, which is incorporated by reference herein, in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to assistive systems and methods. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system and method for providing eating assistance to those with physical limitations.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

For those with physical limitations, eating independently is often impossible or prohibitively difficult without the assistance of a caregiver. Requiring another person to provide or assist with this basic life sustaining activity can be extremely frustrating to a person with physical limitations. For instance, the person may no longer be able to eat on his/her own schedule or at the desired location, the person may not have control over the food consumed, and the person may not have control over the pace of consumption. In order to solve this problem, eating assistance devices have been developed. However, the devices currently available still may not allow the person to eat anywhere, anytime. Additionally, the currently available devices utilize utensils currently available on the market, which also create challenges in the speed and accuracy of eating.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a system and method to facilitate self-feeding for those with physical limitations that can be easily loaded with food and is usable anywhere.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The foregoing needs are met, to a great extent, by the present invention which provides a device for eating including a base having a first end and a second end, wherein the base tapers from the first end to the second end, such that the first end is wider than the second end. The device includes a food cup defining a concave area for holding food positioned on the base such that the food cup is positioned in proximity to the first end of the base. The device also include a chin rest positioned in proximity to the second end of the base, such that a user can actuate the device for eating using a chin.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the food cup is formed integrally with the base. The chin rest is also formed integrally with the base.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, a system for eating includes a device for eating having a base wherein the base tapers from a first end to a second end, such that the first end is wider than the second end, having a food cup defining a concave area for holding food positioned on the base such that the food cup is positioned in proximity to the first end of the base, and having a chin rest positioned in proximity to the second end of the base, such that a user can actuate the device for eating using a chin. The system includes a device for loading food onto the device for eating and a device for lifting the device for eating to a mouth of the user. The system also includes an interface for controlling the device for loading and the device for lifting.

In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, the system includes a microprocessor for controlling the device for loading and the device for lifting and further being coupled to the interface to allow user input for control. The device for loading further comprises a plow that pushes food onto the device for eating. The device for lifting further includes a four-bar linkage or other means of lifting the device for eating to which the device for eating is coupled. The interface takes the form of a switch-based interface, and the switch-based interface includes a switch for changing mode, a switch for moving forward/up, and a switch for moving backward/down. The device for loading food onto the device for eating is also configured to rotate a plate of food from which the user is eating.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings provide visual representations, which will be used to more fully describe the representative embodiments disclosed herein and can be used by those skilled in the art to better understand them and their inherent advantages. In these drawings, like reference numerals identify corresponding elements and:

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a system for facilitating self-feeding, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a ploon according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate side views of a ploon in use, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a partially sectional view of a ploon loader according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of a ploon lifter according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a side, partially sectional view of an eating assistance system according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the eating assistance system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 illustrate an alternate perspective view of the eating assistance system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 9A-9D illustrate perspective view of the system for eating assistance in use to load food and lift it to the user's mouth, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 10A-10D illustrate perspective views of the ploon and ploon mounting assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The presently disclosed subject matter now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying Drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the inventions are shown. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. The presently disclosed subject matter may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Indeed, many modifications and other embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the presently disclosed subject matter pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated Drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the presently disclosed subject matter is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

The present invention is directed to a system and method to facilitate self-feeding for those with physical limitations that can easily be loaded with food and is usable anywhere. The system includes a specially designed utensil called a ploon, which is a hybrid of a spoon and a plate. The ploon is coupled to an actuation device for loading the ploon with food and for lifting the ploon to the person's mouth. A switch-based interface allows the user to control the movement of the ploon, the ploon loader, and the ploon lifter, and the switch-based interface is facilitated with a microcontroller. The system can be mounted to a wheelchair of the user, such that the system is with the user and ready to go, whenever the user may need it.

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a system for facilitating self-feeding, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system 10 includes a ploon 12, a ploon loader 14, and a ploon lifter 16 that work in conjunction to facilitate self-feeding. The ploon 12, ploon loader 14, and ploon lifter 16, are controlled using a switch-based interface 18. The switch-based interface 18 includes “mode”, “forward/up”, and “backward/down” switches. The switch-based interface 18, the ploon loader 14, and the ploon lifter 16 are all powered by a battery pack 20. The battery pack 20 allows the system 10 to be portable and functional in a number of different situations.

Further with respect to FIG. 1, the “mode” button allows the user to switch between lifting and loading the ploon, and rotating a plate of food. The plate of food is rotated in order to orient the ploon 12 to an area of the plate from which food is to be obtained. Once the plate is oriented to the ploon 12 as desired, the ploon loader 14 is engaged using the “mode” button. The ploon loader 14 is used to push food from the plate to the ploon 12, as will be discussed further herein. The “mode” button is also used to engage the ploon lifter 16. The ploon lifter 16 lifts the ploon 12 from plate level to the level of the patient's mouth. The forward and backward buttons of the switch-based interface, are used to move the ploon 12 close enough to the mouth of the user for eating. The structure and use of the ploon 12 for dispensing food into the mouth of the user is also described in further detail below.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a ploon according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 illustrates a ploon 100 having a food receiving portion 102, and a chin rest portion 104. The ploon 100 combines the functionality of a plate and a spoon. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the ploon 100 has an organic shape, which when combined with the bending properties of the extension spring, illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3C, coupled to its base, allows a portion of food to be guided into the user's mouth just by the use of the user's chin. The ploon 100 can be approximately 5 inches in length, and is preferably formed from a non-flexible rubber or plastic material. However, any other suitable dimensions and materials known to one of skill in the art could also be used. The food receiving portion 102 of the ploon 100 is raised slightly above a base 106 of the ploon 100 forming a sort of cup for the food. The raised design helps to hold the food in place on the way to the user's mouth. The chin portion 104 can be configured to provide comfort and control to the user during use. The ploon 100 tapers from an end with the food receiving portion 102 to an end with the chin rest portion. This allows the user more control in dispensing the food into his or her mouth. The design of the ploon 100 also allows the ploon to be lifted from the plate to the user's mouth without reorienting the ploon 100, thus simplifying the mechanics of the system and the number of directive steps needed from the user.

FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate side views of a ploon in use, according to an embodiment of the present invention. More particularly, FIGS. 3A-3C, illustrates a ploon 50 sitting atop extension spring 52. The extension spring 52 allows the ploon 50 to pivot in order to dispense food 54 into a mouth 56 of the user 58. While an extension spring 52, is shown herein, any other suitable means of pivoting the ploon 50 could be used, such as a ball and socket, compliant material, hinge, fulcrum pivot, or any other suitable means known to or conceivable by one of skill in the art. In use, as illustrated in FIG. 3A, the ploon 50 is lifted to a level close to a chin 60 of the user, and is in a neutral position. The chin 60 of the user is used to actuate the ploon 50 to tilt it on the extension spring 52. The force provided by the chin 60 bends the extension spring 52, as illustrated in FIG. 2B, and brings the ploon to a tilted position and the food 54 to the mouth 56 of the user 58. When the chin 60 of the user 58 stops applying force to the ploon 50 and the extension spring 52 the ploon 50 is returned to the neutral position because the extension spring 52 returns to its neutral position.

As noted with respect to FIG. 1 the ploon loader and ploon lifter are two mechanisms that work together to deliver the ploon loaded with food to the mouth of the user, as will now be described. The ploon loader and ploon lifter are controlled with a simple, switch-based user interface. Three ultra-sensitive, light-touch switches “Mode”, “Forward/Up”, “Backward/Down” are strapped to the user's leg or another convenient place for use by the user, depending on the physical limitations of the user. The switches send commands to a microprocessor housed in the ploon loader, which provides control for the device. The user touches the “Mode” switch one to three times to select one of the three modes available, ploon loading, ploon rotating, and ploon lifting.

FIG. 4 illustrates a partially sectional view of a ploon loader according to an embodiment of the present invention. The ploon loader 150 is activated by two of the three modes allowed by the “Mode” button. The ploon loader 150 can be fixed to a tray mounted on the adjustable height left arm rest of the user's wheel chair. It should however be noted that other configurations necessary based on the user's particular needs and chair are contemplated and should be considered incorporated herein. The “Mode” switch is tapped once to select plate rotation mode. In the plate rotating mode, a plate 152 is rotated. The “forward/up” and “backward/down” switches of the switch-based interface rotate the plate clockwise and counterclockwise respectively. The plate 152 is rotated relative to a pusher actuator 154 with distal plow 155, which is used to push the desired food off of the plate 152 and onto the ploon. A DC motor 156, stepper motor, servo, or any other suitable rotation device can be used to rotate the plate accordingly. Instructions are sent from the switch-based interface to the DC motor 156 in order to actuate the rotation of the plate 152. Therefore, the DC motor 156 and the switch-based interface are in communication. In order to load the desired food onto the ploon, another tap of the “Mode” switch activates a ploon loading mode. The ploon loading mode uses the pusher actuator 154 and the plow 155 to push food from the plate 152 to the ploon. The alignment actuator 158 pushes the system with respect to the tray/table such that the plate is positioned correctly with respect to the ploon, for accurate transferring of food from the plate to the ploon (i.e. it closes the gap between the system/plate and the ploon, so that food pushed by the plow lands on the ploon and not on the floor. In the ploon loading mode, the “forward/up” button controls the pusher actuator 154 to push food to the edge of the plate and onto the ploon. The “backward/down button retracts the pusher actuator 154 to the original position. The microprocessor 160 described above, can be housed in the ploon loader portion 150 of the system as illustrated in FIG. 4. However, the microprocessor could also be positioned in any other part of the system that would be suitable to one of skill in the art.

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of a ploon lifter 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The ploon lifter 200 lifts the ploon 202 loaded with food up to the user's mouth and lowers the ploon 202 back down to the plate for reloading. The ploon lifter 200 is height adjustable, removable, and mounted to a right arm 204 of the user's wheel chair 206. The ploon 202 is situated at an end of a four-bar linkage 208, in order to keep the ploon 202 level throughout the ploon lifter's 200 movement and prevents the food from falling out of or spilling from the ploon 202. The end of the four-bar linkage 208 not coupled to the ploon 202 is rotatable about a pivot point 210 by a linear actuator 212. When the user is ready to load food onto the ploon 202, the “mode” switch of the switch-based interface 214 is touched, setting the system to the ploon lifting state. In this state, the ploon lifter 200 can be controlled to adjust the position of the ploon 202. The “forward/up” switch raises the ploon lifter 200 such that the ploon 202 is lifted closer to the user's mouth. Touching the “backward/down” button lowers the ploon lifter 200 until it reaches its lowest point, which is the ploon loading position. In this configuration, the user activates the “mode” switch again, setting the system for ploon loading, described above. While the ploon lifter 200 is described herein as raising and lowering the ploon 202 from the user's mouth to the plate using rotation, the ploon lifter 200 can also achieve this movement through linear lifting and lowering, or any other suitable means of raising or lowering the ploon 202, known to or conceivable by one of skill in the art. As illustrated in FIG. 5, a battery and battery charger 216 can also be mounted to the right arm 204 of the chair 206.

FIG. 6 illustrates a side, partially sectional view of an eating assistance system according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the eating assistance system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 illustrate an alternate perspective view of the eating assistance system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system 300 according to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6, 7, and 8 takes the form of a tabletop design with integrated ploon loader 302, ploon lifter 304, and base 306. The design of the system 300 in FIGS. 6, 7, and 8 is compact to enable the device to be portable. The ploon loader 302 includes a linear actuator 308 to extend and retract plow 310. The ploon lifter 304 includes an energy chain 312, a ploon angle control 314 for adjusting the angle of ploon 316 disposed on spring 318, and a device 320 for extending the energy chain 312. The energy chain 312 can be at least partially disposed within the base 306, and the device 320 for extending the energy chain 312 is also at least partially disposed within the base. While an energy chain is disclosed herein, this example is not meant to be considered limiting any suitable extension means could be used, for example a shape memory metal with geometry memory or a linear actuator with telescoping motion. The device 320 for extending the energy chain 312 can include driver rollers 322 and a roller driver servo motor 324. The driver rollers 322 can be actuated with a user controller (not pictured), which can include buttons, a touch screen, or any other suitable means for operating the system. A plate of food 326 can be positioned on a rotating platform 328 of the base 306. A pulley 330 for rotation of the rotating platform 328 and in turn the plate 326 can be positioned just under the platform, in order to align the desired food on the plate with the plow 310 and the ploon 316.

FIGS. 9A-9D illustrate perspective view of the system for eating assistance in use to load food and lift it to the user's mouth, according to an embodiment of the present invention. More particularly, FIG. 9A illustrates rotation of the plate to align food with the plow and the ploon. FIG. 9B illustrates the plow being extended distally to push food into a cup of the ploon. FIG. 9C illustrates orientation of the ploon from a ploon-loading position to a position suitable for eating. FIG. 9D illustrates the ploon being lifted to a position close enough to the user for eating. The steps illustrated in FIGS. 9A-9D can be repeated as many times as desired by the user. The user has controls for changing the mode of the device (i.e. from ploon loading to ploon lifting) and controls for affecting movement of the ploon, plow, and plate. The controls can take any suitable form known to or conceivable by one of skill in the art.

FIGS. 10A-10D illustrate perspective views of the ploon and ploon mounting assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The ploon, as illustrated in FIGS. 10A-10D includes a food receiving portion, and a chin rest portion. The ploon mounting assembly is illustrated as including a spring. However, any suitable, flexible mounting assembly could also be used, so long as it deflects from and returns to its original position. The ploon can be approximately 5 inches in length, and is preferably formed from a non-flexible rubber or plastic material. However, any other suitable dimensions and materials known to one of skill in the art could also be used. The food receiving portion of the ploon is raised slightly above a base of the ploon forming a sort of cup for the food. The raised design helps to hold the food in place on the way to the user's mouth. As illustrated in FIGS. 10A-10D a back edge of the ploon is slightly tapered in order to facilitating pushing of food from the plate to the food receiving portion, using the plow. The chin portion can be configured to provide comfort and control to the user during use. The ploon tapers from an end with the food receiving portion to an end with the chin rest portion. This allows the user more control in dispensing the food into his or her mouth. The ploon is configured such that it can be loaded in many different ways, such as pushing food into it, as described above, scooping, or any other suitable means of moving the food from the plate to the ploon.

It should be noted that herein the actuation of the components of the system described above can be carried out using a microprocessor or a computer loaded with a non-transitory computer readable medium, independent of or incorporated with the system. Indeed, any suitable method of control known to or conceivable by one of skill in the art could be used. A non-transitory computer readable medium is understood to mean any article of manufacture that can be read by a computer. Such non-transitory computer readable media includes, but is not limited to, magnetic media, such as a floppy disk, flexible disk, hard disk, reel-to-reel tape, cartridge tape, cassette tape or cards, optical media such as CD-ROM, writable compact disc, magneto-optical media in disc, tape or card form, and paper media, such as punched cards and paper tape.

The invention is discussed in the present application with respect to those with physical limitations. Such physical limitations include but are not limited to partial or complete paralysis, limited or no motor control of the arms, or other difficulties in self-feeding. Groups with applicable physical limitations include amputees, quadriplegics, the elderly, and people with congenital disorders. Voice activated commands, visual tracking, or head sensors could also be adapted to implement this invention for those with varying physical limitations.

The many features and advantages of the invention are apparent from the detailed specification, and thus, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of the invention which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and variations will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation illustrated and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for eating comprising: a base having a first end and a second end, wherein the base tapers from the first end to the second end, such that the first end is wider than the second end; a food cup defining a concave area for holding food positioned on the base such that the food cup is positioned in proximity to the first end of the base; a chin rest positioned in proximity to the second end of the base, such that a user can actuate the device for eating using a chin.
 2. The device for eating of claim 1 wherein the food cup is formed integrally with the base.
 3. The device for eating of claim 1 wherein the chin rest is formed integrally with the base.
 4. A system for eating comprising: a device for eating having a base wherein the base tapers from a first end to a second end, such that the first end is wider than the second end, having a food cup defining a concave area for holding food positioned on the base such that the food cup is positioned in proximity to the first end of the base, and having a chin rest positioned in proximity to the second end of the base, such that a user can actuate the device for eating using a chin; a device for loading food onto the device for eating; a device for lifting the device for eating to a mouth of the user; and an interface for controlling the device for loading and the device for lifting.
 5. The system for eating of claim 4 further comprising a microprocessor for controlling the device for loading and the device for lifting and further being coupled to the interface to allow user input for control.
 6. The system for eating of claim 4 wherein the device for loading further comprises a plow that pushes food onto the device for eating.
 7. The system for eating of claim 4 wherein the device for lifting further comprises one of a four-bar linkage or an energy chain to which the device for eating is directly or indirectly coupled.
 8. The system for eating of claim 4 wherein the interface further comprises a switch-based interface.
 9. The system for eating of claim 8 wherein the switch-based interface includes a switch for changing mode, a switch for moving forward/up, and a switch for moving backward/down.
 10. The system for eating of claim 4 wherein the device for loading food onto the device for eating is also configured to rotate a plate of food from which the user is eating. 